Applied Physics and Radiological Physics in Dental Clinical Science

Dental radiography delivers ionizing radiation for diagnostic imaging; balancing diagnostic utility against radiation dose represents a central problem in dental clinical science. The ALARA principle (As Low As Reasonably Achievable) operationalizes this balance through justification (whether the radiograph is necessary), optimization (using minimal exposure settings), and dose limits (regulatory thresholds). This note examines the physics underlying dental X-ray systems, methods for dose assessment, and clinical decision frameworks for appropriate imaging selection.